Issue 7, FALL 2016
POLITICA A PROGRAM IN POLITICAL SCIENCE NEWSLETTER JOHNSON C. SMITH UNIVERSITY
ABOUT THE NEWSLETTER
IN THIS EDITION
v Our Mission
2
v The PSA Corner v Faculty Reflections
2 3
v Student Reflections 5, 7
v Political Spotlight
6
v Beyond The Gates
8
v Scholarship/Internship Opportunities v Picture Gallery v Our Curriculum
9
13
16
POLITICA, the Portuguese and Spanish word for Politics, serves the purpose of highlighting events, activities and achievements by the Program in Political Science, its faculty and students. It also serves as a space for scholarly and social engagement. Submissions and staff position are open to all University students, and not just political science majors and minors. If you have articles, news or events you would like to submit for publication to POLITICA or are interested in becoming a staff member please contact program coordinator, Dr. Terza Lima-Neves.
OUR PROGRAM MISSION The political science major is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the philosophical and practical issues associated with political systems, institutions and organization, and political participation and governance and to encourage critical thinking about the nature of citizenship, rights, and duties in the modern world. The program also aims to support the mission of the College of Arts and Letters and Department of Social Sciences of providing quality professional preparation in the field of political science as well as academic preparation for graduate studies. It also aims to fulfill the University’s purpose of producing graduates who are able to communicate effectively, think critically, learn independently and demonstrate competence in the field of political science while being responsible global citizens.
Dr. Lima-Neves and students during a session for her course on Contemporary Caribbean Politics and Society, redefining the spaces where learning takes place
The Political Science Student Association Corner (PSA) Ke’Aira Wilson Political Science Student President, Political Science Student Association
This is my second year as President and third year as a member of the Political Science Student Association. When I joined PSA and became a political science major I didn’t know that it was going to change my life. I have learned so much from my peers and our outstanding professors. I have gained a plethora of opportunities this year because of the Political Science Association and the political science program. I have spoken to the University’s Board of Trustees, attended banquets, interned for Hillary Clinton’s coordinated campaign, was interviewed by various news and journal articles, and organized events on campus. Each of these opportunities has helped me grow as a student and get a step closer to achieving my dreams of becoming a politician. The most valuable achievement that the Political Science Association accomplished this school year was getting students and community members involved in the political process. Organizing events to get students politically aware has been our mission this school year and the significance of this year’s Presidential election has helped us kick it up a notch. The Political Science Association was able to explain the importance of the election, get students registered to vote, and have a postelection discussion. In the future, I hope that political science students and members of the Political Science Association continue to take this lead on political awakening. None of the opportunities that I have had or accomplishments our Association has made would be possible without the help of Dr. Lima-Neves and Dr. Williams. I am so honored to be a part of this outstanding program and Association. ∼ ∼
2
FACULTY REFLECTIONS
The Status of the Program in Political Science
Dr. Terza A. Silva Lima-Neves, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Political Science Coordinator, Program in Political Science 2013-14 Par Excellence in Teaching Award Honoree
“EDUCATION IS THE KEY TO FREEDOM.” That is what I was taught from a young age growing up in a newly independent African country and that is why I am in this profession. For the last six years, the faculty of the political science program has worked diligently to improve the quality of the curriculum and academic preparation for our students. The current courses mirror what is being offered at other liberal arts institutions of similar size. When I began my tenure at JCSU in 2010 political science was ranked 27 out of 30 programs by an external consulting team that studied the trends and growth of JCSU's progress. Today, we are known for our academic rigor and perhaps, just as important and beyond the walls of a formal classroom, a familyoriented learning and teaching environment we provide our students, both majors and minors, where the entire world is our classroom. Our students have presented at regional and national academic conferences and they have published in journals. They gained real world experiences with the Study Program to Brazil in 2014 under Dr. Williams’ leadership, and coming up in 2017, I will take them to my homeland, Cabo Verde Islands, West Africa. They have gone on to pursue their dreams and goals whether it's graduate study at American University, Yale University, George Washington University or Howard University or a professional career in the United States government or abroad in the Ministry of Education in South Africa.
Our students have had our undeniable support in recognizing their own potential. We push them hard because we believe in them. We set very high expectations because we know they can meet them. We know this because they have demonstrated this to us over and over again. All they need is strategic professional and academic guidance from their professors and mentors. We have worked together to design a strategic and up-to-date academic curriculum and offer professional advising based on our students’ requests as well as existing global trends which we have carefully studied to ensure our students are able to compete and succeed in any environment along with their peers. The political science faculty come from distinct academic and personal backgrounds which add to the unique instruction and advising "styles" we are able to provide to our students. The students have called us, "the dream team" of teaching. My lived experiences, both personal and professional, inform how I support our students, especially the growing population of international students from the African continent, Caribbean, and Latin America. We have students from diverse ethnic, socio-economic and immigration status backgrounds. My personal experience as an African immigrant woman and professional experience with immigration law has helped me tremendously in offering culturally competent advising, particularly to the undocumented students who may or may not know how to navigate the pursuit of a quality education and life in the United States. My students know that they have access to me and that I am here to ensure their success. My office space is an environment that engages the "whole" student, as a scholar and as a human being who may need someone to talk to, from time to time. Our alums still keep in touch to let us know their latest news and to seek advice. I truly believe we have created a safe learning and living environment where our students trust that their professors are invested in their personal and professional success. ∼ ∼ Contact Dr. Terza Lima-Neves Email: tlneves@jcsu.edu Telephone: (704) 378-1095 Twitter: @DrTLimaNeves Instagram: @KriolaMommyScholar
3
FACULTY REFLECTIONS CONTINUED…
Dr. Tonya M. Williams, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Political Science Coordinator, Pre-Law Program 2015-16 Par Excellence in Teaching Award Honoree
“EVERYDAY IS A GOOD DAY TO BE A POLITICAL SCIENTIST.”
Over the last six years, the Program in Political Science has developed an established record of success in identifying and cultivating faculty-student research opportunities, providing culturally competent advising and mentoring in the area of undergraduate research, teaching and instruction, in addition to preparing students for graduate and professional schools and to join the labor market. In fact, our commitment to fostering undergraduate research has resulted in undergraduate students that have delivered academic presentations at state and national political science conferences and interdisciplinary symposiums, competed for and were awarded national and institutional
fellowships and grants for undergraduate research and preparation for graduate study, awarded the UNCF-Mellon Undergraduate Fellowship, awarded Smith Institute STAR Grant for Undergraduate Research, visited Ph.D. granting institutions to evaluate graduate programs in political science, participated in internships, summer research and pre-law academies and study abroad programs, published and/or prepared manuscripts for publication in undergraduate journals, served as research assistants for faculty led research projects on electoral politics and civic engagement and political participation, accepted to diverse set of graduate programs ranging from Public Administration, Divinity, Political Science and Political Communications, Graduated from Masters Programs from George Mason University, American University, Howard University and Wake Forest University. As a professor and advisor, I strive to create a classroom environment that serves as a forum for the “market place of ideas,” where the value of knowledge is reflected in one’s commitment to engaging in rigorous study and debate, “creative speculation” and innovative analysis about complex social problems. I invite students to situate their lived experiences within the scope of political inquiry in addition to incorporating evidence based discourse and critique. This multidimensional and deliberative process often leads to the development of new lines of inquiry and encourages students to exercise their individual agency over their own learning experience. ∼ ∼ Contact Dr. Tonya M. Williams Email: lmwilliams@jcsu.edu Telephone: (704) 378-1192
4
My Experiences As A Summer Intern in Capitol Hill Quanetta King Political Science Student On May 26th, I was offered an amazing opportunity to intern at Capitol Hill. I was beyond excited to go to Washington D.C. for my entire summer, although, I had no idea what to expect. I never imagined a small-town girl from Fayetteville, North Carolina would be working on the Hill. Once I told my mom, she was nervous about sending me off to D.C by myself; however, she later agreed to let me go. We had a hard time finding housing, but my mom was determined to find me appropriate lodging. She called all of our family and friends, in the hopes that someone would extend their home in Washington to me. Three days before it was time to leave for Washington, my mom finally found a place for me to stay. It turned out that one of my cousins stayed only twenty minutes from Capitol Hill. At this point, I was in awe. I couldn’t believe I was on my way to intern on Capitol Hill! I Arrived at Reagan Airport on Sunday, June 5th. My cousin picked me up and we went to what would be my new “home” for the next 2 months. When I got home, I picked out my clothes and started preparing for my first day on Capitol Hill. I woke up the next morning in pure excitement. I was ready to conquer my first day on Capitol Hill working in Representative Alma Adams’ office. My first day with Representative Alma Adams was so amazing, by the time I got home I was exhausted. I loved Capitol Hill. It was just an amazing place to be with so many opportunities and very fast paced. I had the pleasure of shadowing Congress-woman Alma Adams, observing committee hearings, attending meetings and experiencing other exciting events. On Tuesday, July 5th I switched to Representative Mark Walker’s office. I was definitely nervous about switching to the Republican office. I was not sure what to
expect. All I knew about republicans was what I had seen in the media. My first day in the office was the exact opposite of what I thought it was going to be. The staff accepted me with open arms. I enjoyed the debates we had on various real-world issues in the media. I also learned a lot about republicans and their perspective on particular events. I was honored to accompany Representative Mark Walker to the Republican Study Committee as his special guest. I had a great time listening to attendees’ debate various topics. I am very grateful for this opportunity and I do not take this experience on Capitol Hill for granted. I was only there for 8 weeks, but I can truly admit that I have gained skills I can use for a lifetime. I have had the opportunity to network and meet so many great people that have been willing to share their insights and experiences to help me in my future endeavors. ∼ ∼
Quanetta King (Right) with Rep. Alma Adams (Center)
5
POLITICAL SPOTLIGHT Perspectives on The 2016 U.S. Elections and Its Impact on United States Foreign Policy Towards Africa
Cabumuzi Dlamini Political Science Student
If anyone thought the most significant presidential election of our time was that of 2008 when Barack Obama clinched the election, they would be red in the face if they still thought this was the case still. Almost a year ago, the world watched with horror when the then-Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump hurled insult on insult on various ethnic groups ranging from calling African immigrants “lazy” and his wild plans of building “a wall” on the Mexican border and making them pay for it. It is then unimaginable to think, now, that this is the very same man that will lead the free world. It then begs the question: how did we find ourselves here? The answer lies in a quote given by Franklin D. Roosevelt, one of America’s finest presidents. It reads, “Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a President and senators and congressmen and government officials, but the voters of this country.” Upon speaking to a number of classmates, friends and family, there seems to be a sense of bewilderment as to how Donald J. Trump finds himself as the President-in-waiting. Well, it is time to wake up and smell the coffee. The hallmarks of a true democracy are engraved in the choices they make in the ballot. And put blandly, Trump represents the choice the public and the Electoral College. The quote by Roosevelt is perhaps rudely awakening in that it exposes an inescapable fact: there remains a large amount of sexism, racism and bigotry in the country that is thought to have somehow vanished. It is even more perplexing to think that America overlooked, perhaps one of the most politically experienced woman of her time.
Although she wasn’t perfect, Secretary Clinton represented the ‘safer’ and ‘lesser’ evil of the two. But, despite all of this, they went for the ‘devil they knew’ in Donald Trump which brings me to the point of this piece. It may be an overused cliché, but it holds true more than it ever will: “when America sneezes, the world catches a cold.” As an African looking in, I cannot help but speculate what an African continent may look like under a Trump administration, in economic, social and political terms. It is an undeniable fact that international trade with economies such as Europe, Asia and, most importantly America represents a significant percentage of Africa’s total Gross Domestic Product. As per the US Census of 2015, African exports totaled $25 billion to America, while imports totaled $27 billion. It is for this reason that we keep a keen interest in events that affect our valued trade partner. However, as far as things are looking, the painting isn’t so clear anymore. It is no secret that President-Elect Trump intends on dialing down on relations and trade with many countries in what will likely be an isolationist economy as reported by CNN. Among top on that list will most likely be Africa and that would more than likely hurt the African continent in more ways than other. However, with the recent increase in Sino-African relations with President Xi Jinping pledging $60 billion to African states in the last year, Africa finds itself in a curious position with Asian backed investment with far less politically stipulated conditions attached represents a coup as many countries in Southern Africa were dealing with. The African Growth and Opportunity Act, known as AGOA is one such trade deal that has come with various politically motivated complexities in which countries have been excluded for practices relating to regime change in their respective country –case in point: Swaziland. Despite the fact that AGOA links 39 different countries in Sub-Saharan Africa to larger economies such as the American one, it undermines the traditions of democracy and true sovereignty. Notwithstanding its relative success in countries such as Lesotho, “whose textile industry has flourished since joining AGOA and now exports more than $400 million
6
worth of garment manufacturers to the United States annually.” The same goes for aid. On July 26, 2015, Trump had some choice words for Obama’s tour of Africa. In his inimitable way, Trump tweeted: “Obama is in Africa pledging 1 billion dollars to help them. How about that money to help America?” If this is anything to go by, foreign aid will plummet and sectors such as health, environment and energy will be affected the most. Politically, Trump’s election may give rise to what I call, the political madmen: the type of leader who feeds, and appeals to the desperation and grievances of peoples who are vulnerable to rhetoric such as the one displayed by Trump. This is especially true for countries in Africa whose democracy is in its infantry stages and policy falls behind to factors such as charisma, appeal and rhetoric. Ultimately, we must accept that Donald J. Trump is going to be the President of the United States for the next four years. And I get the sense that the sooner we accept this, the sooner we can start having constructive conversations about the president elect. Despite his temerarious and rash temperament, he has been able to build a real estate empire, earning him bragging rights as one of the most successful businessmen, and ultimately the most successful president. The vastness of his wealth extends to the point of him rejecting his annual $400,000 salary given to him by the white house. Like a true business man, he’s been able to negotiate his way into one of the world’s most sought after estates: The White House. Despite all the uncertainties we may have about the president elect, we do know that we are living in interesting times indeed. And as for Africa, the dawn of the Chinese revolution has begun, but at a price currently being concealed – like some sort of hidden terms and conditions. ∼ ∼
THE IMPORTANCE OF MY HBCU EDUCATION
D’Andre Carter Political Science Student Vice-President of Student Affairs, Student Government Association
Attending a Historically Black University was not a dream of mine. Growing up in the west coast of the United States is a completely different environment, so my mother forced my brothers and myself to attend HBCUs to learn about our culture and heritage. Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) was not on my list to attend until I received an acceptance letter out of the blue. I had already scheduled a campus tour at Hampton University and Morgan State University during my Spring Break, so I thought, “Why not?” I never knew that I would call JCSU my home. I began my tour on campus and my tour guide asked, “What do you want to major in?” When I replied, “Political science,” he said, “I don’t know where that department is.” So, we walked inside McCrorey Hall where we found Dr. Terza Lima-Neves. She invited me up to her office to talk about the program. She talked to me for two straight hours about the program and what they were planning for the future. I knew right at that moment that this was the school for me. The political science program is different from most. We currently only have two professors in our program which means one can’t slip through the cracks. When a student walks into either of the professors’ office, it's not like you're talking to your professors. You are talking to your mentor, friend and even sometimes, second mom. Dr. T and Dr. Williams have a strict program built here and sometimes you think you can’t make it through. But, at the end of the day, if you need help they will sit on the phone with you and email you back all night trying to help you get it right. Countless times I have looked at my email and seen a new application for a scholarship, conference or even an internship opportunity. I can't thank these two women enough for the amount of time and work they have invested in me. ∼ ∼
7
BEYOND THE GATES
Advice From A Recent Graduate
Selene Medina, ‘16
Recently, I met a student who is a Sophomore in college and an aspiring attorney just like me. When we met, he quickly began to tell me about his life goals and gave me specific details on dates and time frames he’d set for himself. To many, this type of planning would seem crazy but I completely understood him because he sounds and acts exactly how I did, not too long ago. Anyone who knows me knows that I like structure and organization (just look at the sticky notes on my computer or on my phone!) So it isn’t surprising that I had my life mapped out: I would finish my undergraduate degree, go straight into law school and return to practice in North Carolina for a couple of years before moving up to Washington, D.C. and look into practicing there. I had very little room for error or change. This is the exact reason why this past summer was stressful and life changing for me. When I walked across the stage in May at Johnson C. Smith University, I had decided that I was going to be attending Howard University Law School and I would start this past August. I sent in a deposit, transcripts and a final decision. However, my financial situation was just not shaping up the way it needed to in order for me to be able to move to Washington, D.C. before classes were to start. Not having the necessary financial resources eventually forced me into realizing that Howard Law was just not going to happen. Therefore, I had two options: attend Charlotte Law for free and stay home, or take a year off and wait to see if I could get the money I needed to attend Howard the following year. Taking a year off might not seem like a big decision to many but let me tell you, in my household and in my brain it was! This was not part of the plan. In my head, I had clearly failed and had to re-access and see what went wrong. I
refused to take a year off from school and proceeded to send in a deposit and a decision to the Charlotte School of Law (CSL). Just when I had made my peace with attending CSL I got a job offer to work for the North Carolina Democratic State Party. The job was a field organizer position that would require me to make a fulltime commitment and it would go through the election. When this opportunity came I was once again presented with the difficult decision of choosing whether or not I would take a year off from school. After many conversations with my loved ones, mentors, the Howard Law School admissions dean and a mental crisis later, I eventually decided that things were happening for a reason and that if so many situations were occurring that were leading me to take a year off and change my life plans by that small time frame then I should just accept it and move forward. I decided to take the job, cancel my admission at CSL and defer for a year at Howard. Let me tell you that was the most liberating decision I have ever made! My experience on the campaign was everything I had hoped it would be: stressful, annoying, difficult, fun, exciting, but especially fulfilling. The experiences I had and every story I heard out on the campaign trail made me realize that this was what I had to be doing at that exact time. Now that the campaign is over, I’m back to one of my part time jobs and have made plans for how the next year of my life is going to look like, but not any further than that! I’m learning that I don’t have to know how my entire life is going to play out, that it’s okay to relax and allow changes to occur and that things do happen for a reason and it doesn’t have to mean that you’ve failed. That’s why when that Sophomore asked me for a piece of advice at the end of our conversation I simply told him, “don’t plan too far ahead, give yourself some wiggle room and please do enjoy the Christmas party and breathe. Tomorrow you can think about your LSAT classes!” #TrueStory ∼ ∼
8
SCHOLARSHIPS/FELLOWSHIPS OPPORTUNITIES Schomburg-Mellon Humanities Summer Institute
The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation have created the SchomburgMellon Humanities Summer Institute to encourage minority students and others with an interest in African-American, African and African Disaporan Studies to pursue PhDs in the humanities. The program, which is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, offers a six-week session for ten undergraduate rising seniors (juniors in spring 2017, entering their senior year in fall 2017, graduating in 2018). Eligibility Students entering their senior year in fall 2017 U.S. citizens or permanent residents 3.0 GPA or higher Demonstrated interest in Africa and the African Diaspora • Ten rising seniors • $3000 stipend • Completed applications • Transcript by January 2nd • Two letter of recommendation • Research statement • Resume Deadline: January 10, 2017 Website: https://www.nypl.org/help/aboutnypl/fellowships-institutes/schomburgmellon-humanities-summer-institute Application: https://apply.interfolio.com/38461 Ralph Bunche Summer Institute Applicants must be members of a racial or ethnic minority group that is significantly under-represented in political science, such as African American, Asian Pacific American, Latinos/a, and Native American (federal and state recognized tribes) students, or who are interested in
broadening participation in political science by students from underrepresented minority populations and pursuing scholarship on issues affecting under-represented groups. Applicants must be college/university juniors. Applicants must demonstrate an interest in teaching and potential for research in political science. Applicants must be US citizens at time of application. The RBSI program was created in 1986 through a partnership between APSA, the Committee on the Status of Blacks in the Profession, and faculty members Jewel L. Prestage of Southern University and Peter Zwick of Louisiana State University. The original program-- a summer program for African American students-- aimed to increase diversity within the discipline by introducing students to the graduate experience and to senior scholars in the discipline. In the following years, RBSI expanded to include students from underrepresented backgrounds, and students interested in broadening participation in political science and pursuing scholarship on issues affecting under-represented group 2017 APSA RBSI Program Application (online by applicant) • Includes fields for personal statement, resume, and list of recommenders. • Official Transcripts (upload to application or mail directly to APSA by university/college) • Provide an official transcript (that includes 2016 fall semester grades) from each undergraduate institution attended. Institutions may send transcripts directly to APSA, postmarked no later than January 20, 2017. • Three letters of recommendation. One from the department chair, and two more from other people who are familiar with the applicant's academic qualifications. • Recommender should use this form to submit their letter of recommendation.
9
•
Transcripts should be mailed and postmarked by January 20, 2017 to:
APSA Ralph Bunche Summer Institute c/o Dr. Kimberly Mealy American Political Science Association 1527 New Hampshire Ave. NW Washington, DC 20036-1206 Website: http://www.apsanet.org/rbsi-apply The 2017 RBSI Program will take place from May 28 - June 29, 2017 at Duke University. The 2017 UNCF/Mellon Undergraduate Fellowship Application Program Purpose The Undergraduate Fellowship Program aims to increase the number of talented, intellectually engaged undergraduates who choose to enroll in Ph.D. programs in the humanities, designated sciences and social science disciplines. This program is interested in students at the sophomore level who have a serious interest in pursuing the Ph.D. and becoming college professors in one of the Mellon designated fields. Fellows work closely with a faculty mentor representing their scholarly field, participate in a summer institute, sharpen their research, writing and presentation skills and receive semester and summer stipends to assist with costs related to research and graduate school preparation. Eligibility: • Students must be sophomores • Students must identify a faculty mentor • Students must participate in the Summer Institute Deadline: January 31, 2017 Website: http://uncfmellon.publishpath.com/applicati ons Summer Research Early Identification Program SR-EIP is a fully paid summer internship that provides undergraduates with training and mentoring in the principles underlying the conduct of research and prepares them to pursue competitive applications to PhD or
MD-PhD programs. SR-EIP offers closely mentored research experiences in the life and physical sciences, social and behavioral sciences, and the humanities at over 20 research institutions across the country. Applicants must: Be currently enrolled full-time in an accredited public or private college or university in the United States or its territories, as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Be in good academic standing with a GPA of 3.0 or better. Demonstrate a committed interest to pursue graduate study toward a PhD or MDPhD. Have completed at least two semesters and have at least one semester remaining of their undergraduate education by the start of the summer program. Be a documented U.S. citizen or non-citizen national, or permanent resident in possession of an alien registration receipt card (I-551) or other legal document of such status at the time of application. International citizens studying in the United States with an F-1 Visa are not eligible for the SR-EIP. Individuals seeking asylum or refugees are not eligible. The SR-EIP application has five sections that must be submitted before your application is complete. Four of these sections must be completed online, which can be done in multiple sessions. When you access the application, you will be able to save information you have entered, log in at a future time and continue where you left off. The four sections to be completed online include: • Contact Information and Research Sites • Resume Information • Statement of Purpose • Letters of Recommendation (2) The fifth section of a complete application: Official Transcript(s) in either printed OR electronic format. Transcripts must be received at the Leadership Alliance Executive Office by February 1, 2017. Every element of your complete application must be received no later than 11:59 PM
10
PST February 1, 2017. This includes your official school transcript(s) [including Fall 2016 final grades]. Recommendation letters must be uploaded by the deadline. Give your recommenders sufficient advance time and your registrar at least two weeks in order to meet this deadline. Website: http://www.theleadershipalliance.org/progra ms/summer-research/apply/applicationinstructions#eligibility Montgomery Summer Research Diversity Fellowship in Law and Social Science for Undergraduate Students ELIGIBILITY Eligible are American citizens and lawful permanent residents including, but not limited to, persons who are African American, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, or Puerto Rican, as well as other individuals who will add diversity to the field of law and social science, such as LGBT individuals and those with disabilities. Applications will be considered only from sophomores and juniors, that is, students who have completed at least their sophomore year and who have not received a bachelor’s degree by the time the fellowship begins. Applicants must have a grade point average of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) and be moving toward an academic major in the social sciences or humanities. PROGRAM, TENURE AND STIPEND Four summer research fellowships will be awarded each year. Each student will be assigned to an American Bar Foundation Research Professor who will involve the student in the professor’s research project and who will act as a mentor during the student’s tenure. The students also will participate in a series of seminars and field visits to acquaint them with the many facets of sociolegal research and the legal system. The students will work at the American Bar Foundation’s offices in Chicago, IL for 35 hours a week for a period of 8 weeks, typically from early June to late July. Each student will receive a stipend of $3,600. APPLICATION PROCEDURE Applicants for the Summer Research
Fellowships must provide the following: • Two brief essays on the topics indicated in the application form • Official transcripts of all academic courses completed at the time of application • One letter of recommendation from a faculty member familiar with the student’s work Completed applications, including the transcript and letter of recommendation, are due no later than February 15, 2017. Due to the volume of applications, late applications cannot be reviewed. Awards will be announced by April 15, 2017. To apply online, click here: https://apply.interfolio.com/39324 Deadline: February 15, 2017 Website: http://www.americanbarfoundation.org/rese arch/Fellowshipopportunities/SummerResea rchDiversityFellowshipsinLawandSocialScien ce.html CBC Spouses Education Scholarship APPLICATION OPENS DECEMBER 16, 2016 This award is for students of all majors who are preparing to pursue or are currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree full-time at a U.S. accredited college or university. To assist you through the application portal, here are some screen captures ELIGIBILITY Be a U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident Currently/planning to be enrolled in the upcoming academic year as a fulltime undergraduate or graduate student Have a minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale Exhibit leadership ability and participate in community service activities Selected applicants will be qualified AfricanAmerican or black students ONLINE APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS Personal statement (500-1,000 words). Students should use the same personal statement when applying for multiple scholarships. TWO (2) electronically submitted letters of recommendation. We suggest one come from a community or public
11
service leader (i.e. church leader, community leader, volunteer organization). The application provides instructions for your references to upload their letters. Electronic copy of detailed Federal Student Aid Report (SAR); this report comes from the US Department of Education and is typically 5 pages in length. This should be uploaded to the online application as a PDF document. Resume (3 pages maximum) detailing your academics, extracurricular activities, honors, employment, community service, and special skills. Recent photograph suitable for publication (i.e., a cap and gown picture, or other professional quality and professionally dressed photograph). Official transcript (all pages, in color, and legible) scanned and uploaded as ONE (1) PDF file. We are no longer accepting applications via postal mail. Supplemental Questions Upload a PDF copy of your electronic Student Aid Report (SAR) from your 20172018 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Please indicate your family member size. This information may be already reported on your Federal SAR. Please indicate your family Adjusted Gross Income. This information may be already reported on your Federal SAR. PERSONAL STATEMENT Your personal statement/essay should be between 500 and 1,000 words responding to the below prompt. Please use the same statement if applying to multiple scholarships. Prompt: Why should CBCF invest in your education through this scholarship? Your response should include relevant personal experiences, goals, leadership and service activities, academic and career aspirations, obstacles overcome, achievements, and other details you feel will help reviewers understand you as a student and individual. Deadline: May 19, 2017 Website: https://cbcfinc.academicworks.com/opportu nities/392
A LITTLE INSPIRATION… “Caring For Myself Is Not Self-Indulgence, It Is Self-Preservation And that Is An Act of Political Warfare.” --Audre Lorde
12
Picture Gallery
2015-16 POLITICAL SCIENCE ACADEMIC AWARDS CEREMONY
GRADUATION 2016
Congratulations, Dr. Williams On Your Well-Deserved Award! 2015-16 Par Excellence Teaching Award Honoree.
Dr. Williams (C) with graduates Sha’Quan Harris (L) and Alex Dixon (R)
Dr. Lima-Neves (L) and Dr. Williams (R) with selected graduates (L to R) Ramon Garibaldo Valdez, Selene Medina, Warren Radebe and Alex Dixon
13
JCSU POLI SCI AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
JCSU POLI SCI IN THE COMMUNITY
U.S. Presidential debate watch party hosted by PSA
Dr. Williams and Cabumuzi Dlamini at the Bulls to the Polls event on Election Day
Political science students volunteer at “No Back Pack Day” event, aimed at raising funds to purchase back packs for less advantaged children around the world.
Interdisciplinary group of JCSU faculty and students at the Cape Verdeans of the Carolinas Association (CVC) Third Annual Holiday Bash to benefit victims of Hurricane Matthew in North Carolina
Post-elections panel and discussion featuring current students and our alumni and Dr. Todd Shaw, noted political scientist from the University of South Carolina and current president of the National Conference of Black Political Scientists (NCOBPS)
Current students Ke’Aira Wilson (L) and Quanetta King (R) with JCSU Alum Sha’Quan Harris, ‘16 (C) at the CVC Holiday Bash
14
OUR ALUMS COME BACK AND PAY IT FORWARD!
A FEW MORE PICTURES…
Quanetta King presenting during her summer internship. Read her full story on page 5
Camillya Masunda ’13 speaking to political science class about her community activism. Camillya is owner of the Cultural Giving Tree Learning Center
The Cultural Giving Tree Learning Center was founded by JCSU Poli Sci graduate, Camillya Masunda, ’13. It is currently enrolling children, ages 6 months to 12 years in the Charlotte area
Ramon Garibaldo Valdez ’16, guest lectures on communism in an intro to poli sci course. Ramon is a doctoral student in political science at Yale University
Ramon Garibaldo Valdez (Center Right), ‘16 with his Yale University Cohort
Warren Radebe ’16 and his company offer training to South African Community Leaders on Organizational Strategies
15
SPRING 2016 COURSES
REQUIRED COURSES
Dr. Terza Lima-Neves POL 100A: Intro to Political Science TTH 9:30-10:45AM POL 333A: Comparative Political Systems TTH 12-1:15PM POL 491: Seminar on Cabo Verde Politics TTH 1:30-2:45 PM Dr. Tonya Williams POL 131A: American Government TTH 12-1:15PM POL 339A: Black Political Thought TTH 9:30-10:45AM POL 398: Research Methods TTH 1:30-2:45PM
The required courses for the Political Science Major are (27 credit hours): POL 100 Intro to Political Science POL 131 American Government POL 230 Intro to Political Analysis POL 333 Comparative Politics POL 334 International Relations POL 335 Political Theory POL 398 Research Methods POL 431 Policy Analysis POL 434 Constitutional Law POL 499 Senior Paper
The Program in Political Science at Johnson C. Smith University is located on the Second Floor of McCrorey Hall (MCH) Join us on Facebook at Political Science Program at JCSU!
Electives An additional 15 elective hours in the Major from the following courses: POL 231 State and Local Politics POL 235 Intro to African Politics POL 330 Public Administration POL 332 The Developing World POL 339 Black Political Thought POL 430 Women in Politics POL 432 Seminar in American Politics POL 433 International Organizations POL 435 Civil Rights and Civil Liberties POL 437 Foreign Policy POL 439 Internship POL 491 Special Topics in Political Science Majors must also take (12 credit hours): ECON 231 Principles of Macroeconomics HIS 136 History of the United States to 1865 PSY 233 or SOC 233 or MTH 136 Statistics
16